Dr P. R. Datta
Ensuring that we live in a world that values all citizens is very much a work in progress. There is often talk of human rights, but we must not forget the prevalence of human wrongs. In most of the world, women are often disadvantaged, even actively discriminated against. So, we would do better to reflect on the importance of women’s empowerment and that as citizens, women can contribute in various ways, with entrepreneurial activity just one example of how they can help empower themselves, assist their families and contribute to the broader economy. A nation that values all its citizens is prosperous indeed, so we should all be aiming to ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all, as by so doing, the whole ends up being so much larger than the sum of its parts.

Whilst progress in women’s empowerment is invariably incremental, and there are a range of critical areas that need to be at the forefront of our mind
A woman’s sense of self-worth – Self-esteem is integral to all our development. This comes from being valued by others, but primarily from having confidence and faith in one’s abilities. Each of us is a precious and remarkable creation; we need to recognise that, and whilst we have our flaws until we appreciate the beauty and potential within ourselves, it is often difficult to master the range of roles that life sometimes demands. It is easy to focus on our weaknesses and imperfections. Yet, in truth, we need to strive for personal objectivity and recognise that we possess gifts and talents that make us the extraordinary beings that warrant self-respect. In loving ourselves not out of vanity, we are better placed to play a positive and purposeful role in life.

Sadly, there are others, both men and women, who delight in slighting and seeking to diminish others. We need to understand that this is not our fault but a flaw in their character, and thus we must strive to find the inner strength to deal with such behaviour and not allow it to demoralise us. Fortitude and inner resilience take time. Of course, there are times when a person feels belittled and even alone, but within each of us, there lies the ability to refocus and see beyond the petty, the hurtful and the hurtful cruel. Each day we need to treasure the mini triumphs, the little wins that are part and parcel of survival and living. It is essential to be proud of who we are, what we can do, no matter how small and seemingly inconsequential. By cherishing our sense of self-worth, we develop faith in our abilities, and through that comes self-belief. Once we believe in ourselves, we are better placed to play a positive and purposeful role in life.

A woman’s right to have and determine choices – Undoubtedly, this is a challenging area as, in particular, society’s cultural expectations and norms appear to be set in stone. Whilst in patriarchal societies, there are often genuine limitations, there is always scope for self-improvement. The more literate and numerate women are, they can better access information and better understand their rights. Equally, whilst some conservative societies may have clearly defined roles for women, there are signs that women, through their diligence, educational empowerment and entrepreneurial activity, have been able to carve out a different position, which does not have to be at odds family expectations. Choices about health, one’s body, education and employment options matter enormously and increasingly, women are recognising that they are not alone in aspiring to better themselves.

Moreover, in international law, more and more norms and safeguards are beginning to be enshrined, and states need to be mindful of these. That said, it would be foolish to deny that things are not complicated; some families still prefer to invest resources in sons’ education or discourage girls from undergoing training that will lead to employment. There is often an expectation that those women who work once they marry are expected to give up their careers. Women and girls are being held back and disadvantaged, yet if we are willing to look and see, there are signs of change and some remarkable female role models across a whole range of fields of human endeavour. Knowing our rights and accessing them are two very different things, and they require courage and determination. This is not about wilful defiance or seeking deliberately to defy convention, and it is about ensuring a person is better able to fulfil their potential. Choices matter and a woman’s right to make confident choices is fundamental to development and the betterment of society.

The right to have access to opportunities and resources – A fair and equitable society provides equal opportunities for all. In reality, different groups are often disadvantaged and find that they have to work so much harder to be taken seriously and prove their worth. While some males have things handed to them on a plate, women and girls often find them excluded and discouraged. Women looking to establish their own business often find it challenging to access seed funding and capital, whether from their own families or financial institutions.

Some professions have been viewed as male-only domains, yet increasingly women are showing their worth and are starting to become trailblazers as never before. Sadly, they encounter ignorance and prejudice, and some men find it challenging to comprehend and handle the fact that a woman can not only do the same role as them but can often do it better. It is heartening to know that women and girls are not just waiting to be permitted to access specific options; they aspire to them and take them themselves.

It takes courage, determination, and an enormous amount of self-belief. No one is asking for favours or preferential treatment; all women and girls seek a level playing field.

The Writer is Executive Chair, Centre for Business & Economic Research, UK